Barbers battle for top titles

Barbers from all around New Zealand will converge on Auckland next week, sharpening razors, snapping scissors and expressing their creativity at the annual BarberCraft 2018 expo and “Battle of the Barber” competitions, with record crowds expected to attend the event.

With the coveted “Barber of the Year” in their sights, the barbers, who are attracted from every corner of New Zealand, are expected to extend themselves even further this year and put on a highly dynamic and entertaining display for colleagues and the public.

Chief Executive of the New Zealand Hair, Barbering and Beauty Training Organisation (HITO), Kay Nelson says interest in the event is continually growing and barbers in New Zealand are right up there with their international counterparts in terms of their talent and skills.

“BarberCraft recognises the best of our talent,” says Ms Nelson. “It’s wonderful to celebrate their skills and to expose the public and potential apprentices to this creative, fun industry.”

Ms Nelson says barbering has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, emerging as a highly respected industry built on robust tradition and masculine values.

“It’s a centuries-old craft, but has really evolved from something that has been quite a functional service to one that is a serious art form, a nurturing service, for some an indulgence, and can be a gateway to wellbeing for both men and women,” she says. “Barbers are everything from the artist to the listening ear these days and it’s fantastic to recognise their contribution and sometimes under-appreciated service!”

Developed by the New Zealand Hair, Barbering and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO) to recognise the professional skills of barbers and promote barbering as a career option, BarberCraft NZ has quickly emulated the polished vibe of international competition. It has fast become a highly-anticipated fixture on the barbering calendar and is acknowledged as a ‘must do’ event for the industry and the fascinated public.

“There’s everyone from the slick metro-style barbershops of the central city to the far reaches of heartland New Zealand,” Ms Nelson says. “It offers camaraderie, competition, opportunities for professional and business development, socialising and fun and opens people’s eyes to a world of men’s fashion, wellbeing and grooming.

Ms Nelson says the “Battle of the Barbers” competitions are a major highlight. Here, competing barbers enter a range of competitions from the “creative” to the “shave”, the “classic”, the beards and more, plus the esteemed “HITO Barber of the Year”. There will also be exhibitors from a range of associated businesses and demonstrations from visiting international judges.

“All in all, I’m really excited about the event, and hoping it is inspirational for all concerned. All are welcome!”

With support from two major companies in the sector, Braun, and Timely (salon software) which sponsors the HITO Barber of the Year, it is considered a respected and sought-after event to be involved with.
ENDS

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